What Should the Green Bay Packers Do With Johnny Jolly?

Troubled Green Bay Packers’ defensive linemen Johnny Jolly has been reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Johnny Jolly has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL since 2010 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. When he was suspended in 2010, the Packers had tendered Jolly, a restricted free agent, with a one-year $2.521 million. His salary will remain the same this season, and the Packers have to decide if they want to bring him back at $2.521 million or restructure his contract. The Packers also have the option of just releasing him.

Jolly was with the Packers for four seasons before he was suspended, and he started 39 of 48 games that he played in. In 2009, the first season of Dom Capers’ defense, he was disruptive at defensive end and tackle, with a sack, interception and two fumble recoveries.

The Packers have a need for defensive linemen this offseason, and Jolly would be a great fit for the Packers if they can restructure his contract, and if he is in decent shape. The Packers should restructure his contract, so it would pay him the league minimum salary with incentives that would pay him up to $3 million. This would be a great deal for the Packers because he is a veteran, who has experience, and if it does not work out, they would hardly lose any money.